Travel Tip: Art and Archaeology in EnglandJonas Mekas

Jonas MekasENGLANDLONDON • Serpentine Gallery • Ongoing

The Serpentine Gallery presents a solo exhibition of the film-maker, artist and poet Jonas Mekas (b.1922, Lithuania). A leading figure in modern avant-garde and independent cinema, Mekas has had a remarkable career that spans more than 60 years. The Serpentine exhibition includes a collection of new film, video and photographic work, as well as a series of special events curated by the artist.

Mekas's involvement in cinema began shortly after his arrival in New York in 1949, with the writing of his 'Movie Journal' column in the Village Voice, his establishment of Film Culture magazine (where he was editor-in-chief) and his founding of The Film-Makers' Cooperative and the Film-Makers' Cinematheque during the 1950s and 1960s. The Cinematheque later became Anthology Film Archives, one of the world's leading film centres, dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of avant-garde and independent cinema.

Coinciding with the Serpentine Gallery exhibition, BFI Southbank, London, and Centre Pompidou, Paris, will each present a season of film and video work celebrating Mekas's contribution to cinema.